Ryan Miller should be team USA's starter

[NYIsles1*]

I don't want to get on you too much, but your belittling of Miller is very childish.

You mean pointing out a goaltender who has had a marginal career up until two months ago (and confirmed when professional experts who picked team USA did not include him over another career backup in Grahame) when the team turned around with another goaltender in net is childish and belittling of Ryan Miller?

Is this the same Ryan Miller who gave up four goals on about eighteen shots and won 8-4 in his previous game?

This is not the NHL all-star game where spots are give based on three months or part of one year or the hot goaltender of the month. This is done on the complete body of work in a players career. DiPietro's 03-04 season is part of it along with his play in International Tournaments where he's done a solid job or performed outstanding in defeat, where Miller has no record at all besides seeing less games in 03-04 vs 02-03 which is why he was not selected.

Has Miller gone out and paid his dues and participated in the World Championships for his country or has he just played in Rochester for the AHL playoffs?
DiPietro has.

Ricky boy's problem to me is mental thus the inconsistancy.

All due respect, you refer to my point as childish and call DiPietro, Ricky boy?

DiPietro has not been that inconsistent for that most part, the team in front of him has been. In fact the Islanders goals against are marginally better in NHL rankings than their rankings in shots against.

 

[Randall Graves*]

spoken mostly by Buff fans, there is no doubt that Miller is having an outstanding year. But Rick has a great tournement record and experience. That said, I'm no Isle homer. He's been horrific on a very horrific team and coaching this year. His confidence is as shot as the swiss cheese of his Dmen in front of him.

However, here is my point:

It is up to the coach, based on the schemes and styles, to decide whats and WHO is best. Part of that is tournie experience, and above all, play....especially in practices and drills, once it's time.

If Miller is the man, and Esche/Dipietro (both having poor years) falter, all good. May the best man win..above all, may they win is something we need bad. US needs to make a stir is a prime slot on NBC these upcoming Olympics. Hockey needs this, and US teams need this. So, whoever is in goal, better stand on his head and face the pressure like a jedi master.

Good last point, the US needs a good tournament for the NHL. Another reason to go with Miller.

 

[ILuvLA]

spoken mostly by Buff fans, there is no doubt that Miller is having an outstanding year. But Rick has a great tournement record and experience. That said, I'm no Isle homer. He's been horrific on a very horrific team and coaching this year. His confidence is as shot as the swiss cheese of his Dmen in front of him.

However, here is my point:

It is up to the coach, based on the schemes and styles, to decide whats and WHO is best. Part of that is tournie experience, and above all, play....especially in practices and drills, once it's time.

If Miller is the man, and Esche/Dipietro (both having poor years) falter, all good. May the best man win..above all, may they win is something we need bad. US needs to make a stir is a prime slot on NBC these upcoming Olympics. Hockey needs this, and US teams need this. So, whoever is in goal, better stand on his head and face the pressure like a jedi master.

Concur.

 

[joshjull]

You mean pointing out a goaltender who has had a marginal career up until two months ago (and confirmed when professional experts who picked team USA did not include him over another career backup in Grahame) when the team turned around with another goaltender in net is childish and belittling of Ryan Miller?

Is this the same Ryan Miller who gave up four goals on about eighteen shots and won 8-4 in his previous game?

This is not the NHL all-star game where spots are give based on three months or part of one year or the hot goaltender of the month. This is done on the complete body of work in a players career. DiPietro's 03-04 season is part of it along with his play in International Tournaments where he's done a solid job or performed outstanding in defeat, where Miller has no record at all besides seeing less games in 03-04 vs 02-03 which is why he was not selected.
Has Miller gone out and paid his dues and participated in the World Championships for his country or has he just played in Rochester for the AHL playoffs?
DiPietro has.



All due respect, you refer to my point as childish and call DiPietro, Ricky boy?

DiPietro has not been that inconsistent for that most part, the team in front of him has been. In fact the Islanders goals against are marginally better in NHL rankings than their rankings in shots against.

A marginal career ? He is a rookie so he hasn't had a career. Another marginal backup? he was never a backup in Buff. When he struggled he was sent to Rochester. I call him Ricky boy for short instead of Rick Dipietro USA hockey's goaltending golden boy.
As for the Allstar reference you make. They are the teams generally chosen by popularity and body of work not Olympic teams. Allstar teams shouldn't be picked this way but they are. Waddell didn't select him because of his thumb injury. I don't recall him commenting on his 02-03 season

You my friend need to take a deep breath. If you have read my posts, I've said that Ricky has been inconsistant. you say its because his D is inconsistant. So he is playing great and nothing is wrong with his game. Amazing that two career backups, as you put it, have better numbers. No I'm sorry their defenses have better numbers.

 

[Fan-of-#9]

So a goaltender who had only three NHL starts in 03-04 who took a huge step back from 02-03 (Miller) vs someone who took the starters job in 2003-04 had several outstanding starts, a solid playoff and effort in the World Cup and an outstanding game with fifty saves in the World Championships (DiPietro) is far superior based on two months? (4-0 in December and is only 4-3 in Jaunary)

Comical.

Miller was 6-4 in October and let in a shot from center ice on opening night. Until he was injured Sabres showed no signs of becoming a good team or a dominant goaltender. Last time Miller played the Islanders they scored three goals in the first peirod and Miller could not stop anything, their offense won the game by bombing Snow and their defense gave Miller very little work afterward, that's why he's winning games.

And still he's only 4-3 in January.

DiPietro has had a solid season with what his defense is allowing in front of him and the soft goals for the most part have been infrequent. More often than not the team in front of him is giving him no chance and he has not had one easy night all season.

The only thing that is comical is the quotes above. You're just hating on Miller...the best US born goaltender in the NHL. By the end of this season and in the coming years your post will be a laughing stock. You haven't watched much of Miller have you? Obviously not.

 

[Fan-of-#9]

You mean pointing out a goaltender who has had a marginal career up until two months ago (and confirmed when professional experts who picked team USA did not include him over another career backup in Grahame) when the team turned around with another goaltender in net is childish and belittling of Ryan Miller?

Is this the same Ryan Miller who gave up four goals on about eighteen shots and won 8-4 in his previous game?

DiPietro has not been that inconsistent for that most part, the team in front of him has been. In fact the Islanders goals against are marginally better in NHL rankings than their rankings in shots against.

Dipietro has been utter garbage this season. Anyone defending Dipietro's play this season is a rare commodity. Are you on his payroll?

Ya Miller gave up 4 goals the other night...so what? That was probably the 3rd time this year he's allowed more than 3 goals...Dipietro on the other hand might be approaching 20 games of that sort already this year!

Earning your stripes makes sense to me, and Dipietro has more stripes as a representative for the US on the international stage, but the bottom line is, if the US wants to give themselves the best chance at being competitive, it's a no brainer, play Miller.

What's your beef with Miller anyway? You've thrown quite a few cheap shots at him in this thread...

 

[NYIsles1*]

A marginal career ? He is a rookie so he hasn't had a career. Another marginal backup? he was never a backup in Buff. When he struggled he was sent to Rochester.

Ryan Miller started fifteen games for Buffalo in 02-03. In 03-04 he started only three NHL games while DiPietro (who took the starters job full-time in Jan04) was great down the stretch with forty save wins in Buffalo/Anaheim that clinched the Isles a playoff spot over an excellent Sabres team.

Miller is also more than a year older than DiPietro.

Miller was a fifth round selection (138th overall in 1999) while DiPietro was the top draft pick (and rated as a top level draft pick) in the 2000 draft, there is a tangible difference here in projected potential among the professional experts who scouted and ranked both these players.

You my friend need to take a deep breath. If you have read my posts, I've said that Ricky has been inconsistant. you say its because his D is inconsistant. So he is playing great and nothing is wrong with his game. Amazing that two career backups, as you put it, have better numbers. No I'm sorry their defenses have better numbers.

While I'm taking that deep breath, feel free to point out where I wrote DiPietro is playing great? He had a solid start to the season for the Islanders and the media for a month or two were calling him this teams MVP because clearly he was keeping them in games and it caught up with him as the schedule got tougher and the team in front of him struggled even more. Maybe you do not understand the concept that goaltenders in front of poor defenses often wear down which has happened to DiPietro, who is getting little help.

As for hating Miller, I do not dislike him at all and unlike Fan of #9 would never refer to another player as garbage. I just do not give him as much credit for what Buffalo is doing because of him, another goaltender did the same thing before him and really the Sabres streak began when Miller was sidelined, not before.

 

[gobolt7]

I am not necessarily saying that Grahame should be the starter, but he is very quietly starting to heat up again.

4-1, 1.22 GAA, .954 save percentage in the last 5 games. (Currently has a 2 game SO streak, and can break the club SO record in his next start.)

If he stays hot going into the break, he should at least get a look when the team heads over seas. I think he has earned that.

 

[Rover*]

Is this the same Ryan Miller who gave up four goals on about eighteen shots and won 8-4 in his previous game?

First of all you might want to double your shot total number as Miller faced 37 shots that game. Also it was the first time miller had given up more than 3 goals since Oct. 8th..a streak of 18 games of 3 goals or less.

Has Miller gone out and paid his dues and participated in the World Championships for his country

Well we all know paying your dues plays no part in the selection process...just ask Roenick.

 

[joshjull]

Ryan Miller started fifteen games for Buffalo in 02-03. In 03-04 he started only three NHL games while DiPietro (who took the starters job full-time in Jan04) was great down the stretch with forty save wins in Buffalo/Anaheim that clinched the Isles a playoff spot over an excellent Sabres team.

Miller is also more than a year older than DiPietro.

Miller was a fifth round selection (138th overall in 1999) while DiPietro was the top draft pick (and rated as a top level draft pick) in the 2000 draft, there is a tangible difference here in projected potential among the professional experts who scouted and ranked both these players.



While I'm taking that deep breath, feel free to point out where I wrote DiPietro is playing great? He had a solid start to the season for the Islanders and the media for a month or two were calling him this teams MVP because clearly he was keeping them in games and it caught up with him as the schedule got tougher and the team in front of him struggled even more. Maybe you do not understand the concept that goaltenders in front of poor defenses often wear down which has happened to DiPietro, who is getting little help.

As for hating Miller, I do not dislike him at all and unlike Fan of #9 would never refer to another player as garbage. I just do not give him as much credit for what Buffalo is doing because of him, another goaltender did the same thing before him and really the Sabres streak began when Miller was sidelined, not before.[/QUOTE]


You really don't watch the Sabres do you. Biron played well during the win streak. His GAA at that time was 3.04 and save % was .896 not quite at Miller's level. The team at the time was averaging 3.5 goals a game. Miller since returning has gone 9-3-0 GAA 1.83 save % .934. The team has had two offensive explosions of 10 and 8 goals. Other than those games we have been struggling to score. Averaging a little over 2 goals a game since late Dec. Your right he did give up 4 goals on 37 shots against TO. A couple nights before Ricky gave up 4 goals on 17 shots against NJ and was pulled. Since Miller has been back he has had 7, 1 goal games. You just hate that he is playing well and are trying to discredit him.
I have never said Ricky was garbage. I said he was inconsistant. His last four games in reverse order 4 goals on 17 shots (bad), 2 on 37 (great), 4 on 25 (bad) and 1 on 35 (great). That is inconsistant. I have also said in the right situation he will thrive, he has the talent. I just don't know if his confidence is where it needs to be for the Olympics. I think the US team will be under seige in many games and will need great goaltending at times to win.
I unlike some posters don't want Ricky to fail if he is the starter. I want the US to win. I will be cheering for him once he puts on the USA jersey.

Deep breath...............happy thoughts NYisles1

 

[NYIsles1*]

I have never said Ricky was garbage. I said he was inconsistant. His last four games in reverse order 4 goals on 17 shots (bad), 2 on 37 (great), 4 on 25 (bad) and 1 on 35 (great). That is inconsistant.

I referred specifically to the poster who wrote DiPietro was garbage, which was not you. The flaw in your point on inconsistency is it's only based on goals against vs shots and that's not how it works. Goaltenders can and do play well and still can give up four goals on only seventeen shots if he has no help in front of him. In the game you listing as bad (four goals on seventeen shots) he had no chance on at least three of the four goals against Vancouver and the media even wrote he was not at fault on any of the goals, after DiPietro was pulled his backup allowed four goals himself and on three of those he had no chance. A lot of times coaches pull goaltenders to send a message to the team in front of him also.

To post 2 on 37 (great) 4 on 25 (bad) is like a team that losses 7-1, yet takes twenty harmless shots in a peirod and claims they had good offensive pressure, sometimes it's reflective and sometimes it's not. Again I'm not claiming DiPietro has been great and a part of this does not go on his play, there's just more to it than that.

 

[Fan-of-#9]

I didn't say Ricky was garbage. I said he has been utter garbage *this season*, and I'm sure many Isles fans would agree with that notion. I would never argue that Rick is a talented goalie, but in terms of here and now, Miller is the best choice. That's my stance.

 

[joshjull]

I referred specifically to the poster who wrote DiPietro was garbage, which was not you. The flaw in your point on inconsistency is it's only based on goals against vs shots and that's not how it works. Goaltenders can and do play well and still can give up four goals on only seventeen shots if he has no help in front of him. In the game you listing as bad (four goals on seventeen shots) he had no chance on at least three of the four goals against Vancouver and the media even wrote he was not at fault on any of the goals, after DiPietro was pulled his backup allowed four goals himself and on three of those he had no chance. A lot of times coaches pull goaltenders to send a message to the team in front of him also.

To post 2 on 37 (great) 4 on 25 (bad) is like a team that losses 7-1, yet takes twenty harmless shots in a peirod and claims they had good offensive pressure, sometimes it's reflective and sometimes it's not. Again I'm not claiming DiPietro has been great and a part of this does not go on his play, there's just more to it than that.

I give up, Your right he hasn't been bad or inconsistant. You nitpick more than an old lady. I just tried to use a four game sample for my point that he can play well and can struggle. But according to your thinking he isn't at fault for anything. Are you just punch drunk from everybody attacking him that you try to defend everything said. You don't go blameless when you have a GAA 3.44 and save% .890. I watched the game tonight, He played well but should have had the third one. But I guess that was the defense's fault for letting Boyes shoot the puck.

 

[joshjull]

I didn't say Ricky was garbage. I said he has been utter garbage *this season*, and I'm sure many Isles fans would agree with that notion. I would never argue that Rick is a talented goalie, but in terms of here and now, Miller is the best choice. That's my stance.

No he isn't , his defense is garbage aren't you paying attention

 

[MLH]

You mean pointing out a goaltender who has had a marginal career up until two months ago (and confirmed when professional experts who picked team USA did not include him over another career backup in Grahame) when the team turned around with another goaltender in net is childish and belittling of Ryan Miller?

Is this the same Ryan Miller who gave up four goals on about eighteen shots and won 8-4 in his previous game?

What part of dominating every level of competition he's ever faced makes his career marginal?

And I guess 37 shots is "about" 18 in Long Island. Rick DiPietro is "about" as good as Miller.

Miller is 4th in SP% playing behind a suspect defense.

DiPietro is 3rd. On the Islanders.

 

[KH1]

I give up, Your right he hasn't been bad or inconsistant. You nitpick more than an old lady. I just tried to use a four game sample for my point that he can play well and can struggle. But according to your thinking he isn't at fault for anything. Are you just punch drunk from everybody attacking him that you try to defend everything said. You don't go blameless when you have a GAA 3.44 and save% .890. I watched the game tonight, He played well but should have had the third one. But I guess that was the defense's fault for letting Boyes shoot the puck.

Nitpicking and posting with logic are two different things. I find it absolutely hilarious that people will post "clearly you haven't watched the Sabres" and then go on to talk about how DiPietro has been "utter garbage this season," a statement based 100% on having looked at his stats.

The fact that you are ripping DiPietro for a game in which he stopped 41 shots and clearly led the Isles through with some huge saves (like Bergeron's breakaway for example) shows that you could not care less how DiPietro actually plays, you only care that Miller is better. Which is really too bad for you because it's gonna make the Olympics quite boring--DiPietro will be starting and Miller will be the backup if he's lucky enough to sneak onto the team. And that's not even an arguement except on an internet messageboard.

 

[dok101]

I unlike some posters don't want Ricky to fail if he is the starter. I want the US to win. I will be cheering for him once he puts on the USA jersey.

That's good to hear joshjull. But if any American wishes DiPietro perform lousy if he is starter, they should be ashamed of themselves. It is fine if you think Miller should be on the main squad and starting but he isn't. Get over it and lets move on and try and win a medal as difficult a task as it appears to be at this point.

 

[joshjull]

Nitpicking and posting with logic are two different things. I find it absolutely hilarious that people will post "clearly you haven't watched the Sabres" and then go on to talk about how DiPietro has been "utter garbage this season," a statement based 100% on having looked at his stats.

The fact that you are ripping DiPietro for a game in which he stopped 41 shots and clearly led the Isles through with some huge saves (like Bergeron's breakaway for example) shows that you could not care less how DiPietro actually plays, you only care that Miller is better. Which is really too bad for you because it's gonna make the Olympics quite boring--DiPietro will be starting and Miller will be the backup if he's lucky enough to sneak onto the team. And that's not even an arguement except on an internet messageboard.

King, may I call you King? I have never said that Dipietro was garbage or "utter garbage" that was another poster. If you want to attack me do it based on what I actually posted. I have watched some Isles games on center ice and was at their games in Buffalo. I have said that he is inconsistant and has had great games and bad ones. Am I wrong? As for the Boyes goal, I pointed that out to tweak NYisles1, Ricky was the reason they won the game. OT:Man does Sopel suck.
I think he is a very good goalie struggling this year. I think Miller is playing better than him right now. That doesn't mean Dipietro is garbage or that I think Miller is the better goalie. Just that right now he is playing better. As for Ricky starting, I just think his game isn't where it could be and Miller might be a better option. But like you said its a moot point because Miller isn't one of the three named to the roster. (maybe Esche willpull his groin again) If you read my earlier posts you would know that I will be cheering hard for Ricky as soon as he pulls on the USA jersey. I am not one who wants him to fail if he starts. So I doubt I will be bored.
Now do your duty and attack my nitpicking and lack of logic.

 

[KH1]

King, may I call you King? I have never said that Dipietro was garbage or "utter garbage" that was another poster. If you want to attack me do it based on what I actually posted. I have watched some Isles games on center ice and was at their games in Buffalo. I have said that he is inconsistant and has had great games and bad ones. Am I wrong? As for the Boyes goal, I pointed that out to tweak NYisles1, Ricky was the reason they won the game. OT:Man does Sopel suck.
I think he is a very good goalie struggling this year. I think Miller is playing better than him right now. That doesn't mean Dipietro is garbage or that I think Miller is the better goalie. Just that right now he is playing better. As for Ricky starting, I just think his game isn't where it could be and Miller might be a better option. But like you said its a moot point because Miller isn't one of the three named to the roster. (maybe Esche willpull his groin again) If you read my earlier posts you would know that I will be cheering hard for Ricky as soon as he pulls on the USA jersey. I am not one who wants him to fail if he starts. So I doubt I will be bored.
Now do your duty and attack my nitpicking and lack of logic.

I didn't mean to single you out, my bad. In any case I stand by my arguement.

 

[Fan-of-#9]

Nitpicking and posting with logic are two different things. I find it absolutely hilarious that people will post "clearly you haven't watched the Sabres" and then go on to talk about how DiPietro has been "utter garbage this season," a statement based 100% on having looked at his stats.

What makes you so sure that statement is *100%* based on looking at the stats?

I've watched Dipietro at least a dozen times this year. I have access to HFboards, and read most teams board regularly, especially the Isles since they acquired Satan and Zhitnik. Then there's the stats. That enough evidence to suggest that Ricky is having a relatively poor season. You disagree?

 

[DaMick]

What makes you so sure that statement is *100%* based on looking at the stats?

I've watched Dipietro at least a dozen times this year. I have access to HFboards, and read most teams board regularly, especially the Isles since they acquired Satan and Zhitnik. Then there's the stats. That enough evidence to suggest that Ricky is having a relatively poor season. You disagree?

Problem is that not everything is spelled out in stats

If youve watched as many Islanders games i have this year youd see

thier D is the NHL's worst

When you have Brent Sopel as your one of your top 4 D

You know Life will be tough for whomever is goalie behind you
Rick has had bad games but as mentioned before this is his 2nd full season as starter.

Ive said it before id let him & Miller battle it out

But the unecessary bashing of DiPietro is unwarranted

 

[KH1]

What makes you so sure that statement is *100%* based on looking at the stats?

I've watched Dipietro at least a dozen times this year. I have access to HFboards, and read most teams board regularly, especially the Isles since they acquired Satan and Zhitnik. Then there's the stats. That enough evidence to suggest that Ricky is having a relatively poor season. You disagree?

If you look at DiPietro's stats you'd think that he is one of the worse goalies in hockey. That is not the case. In several of the games that people are using as justification for benching DiPietro (Toronto and Vancouver come to mind), at least 3 out of 4 goals would've taken highlight reel saves to stop. When you are faced with several 2 on 1's a period and your defense just stands motionless and makes every shift look like the other team is on the powerplay it is difficult to perform like an all-star.

If you had watched the games (or if you were watching, paid close attention to them) you'd see what every single Islanders fan posting has said.

 

[Rover*]

If youve watched as many Islanders games i have this year youd see thier D is the NHL's worst

How can anyone say this when there's a team called the pittsburgh penguins around.

 

[DaMick]

How can anyone say this when there's a team called the pittsburgh penguins around.

In all honesty i do believe the Isles D is worse

 

[boltsgirl41922]

It shouldn't be an arguement of DiPietro or Esche vs. Miller, it should be what the hell Team USA was thinking when they picked John Grahame over Miller. Atleast take the guy as the #3, it's not like Grahame is going to play.

Its obvious that Grahame wont get to play, but that's the mistake.

you cant look at miller's stats and automatically see he deserves to be there.

if you havent noticed not many rookies were selected. Canada, who obviously knows how to put together a team didnt select any rookies, and USA is doing the same thing, rookies need more time to mature before you can force so much responsibility on them.

Miller, unless i am very much mistaken is a rookie, and others are right, he had an injury.

The mistake this team will make is putting DiPietro in net. Johnny Grahame is far better. And look at the stats, he is by far the best of the American goaltenders.

http://www.nhl.com/nhlstats/stats

all you nay sayers arent giving Johnny Grahame the credit he deserves.